The Best Hikes in Kodachrome Basin State Park

Nestled in the heart of southern Utah, Kodachrome Basin State Park is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its striking sandstone spires, multi-hued rock formations, and expansive desert landscape, the park is a paradise for hikers looking to explore the natural beauty of the Colorado Plateau. With over 60 monolithic spires and a landscape painted in reds, oranges, and whites, the best hikes in Kodachrome Basin State Park offer visitors a close-up view of its unique geology and beautiful landscape.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a peaceful walk, Kodachrome Basin offers a variety of trails suitable for different skill levels. Below are the best hikes in the park, with everything you need to know “by the numbers” to help plan your adventure.

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1. Angel’s Palace Trail

By the Numbers:

• Length: 1.5 miles round trip
• Elevation Change: 150 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Trail Type: Loop

Trail Description: 
The Angel’s Palace Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Kodachrome Basin, offering incredible panoramic views of the park’s sandstone formations. The trail takes hikers along narrow ridges and slickrock paths, with overlooks that showcase the basin below. Despite its relatively short length, the trail provides an otherworldly experience as you walk between towering spires and vibrant canyon walls.

2. Panorama Trail

By the Numbers:

• Length: 6 miles round trip
• Elevation Change: 200 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Type: Loop

Trail Description:
 The Panorama Trail offers a longer and more immersive experience in Kodachrome Basin, perfect for those wanting to spend a half-day exploring the park. This trail is known for its various geological features, including natural arches, towering spires, and the stunning Secret Passage. With relatively gentle elevation changes, this trail is accessible to most hikers, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the surrounding beauty.

3. Grand Parade Trail

By the Numbers:

• Length: 2 miles round trip
• Elevation Change: Minimal
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Type: Loop

Trail Description:
 The Grand Parade Trail is ideal for families and casual hikers who want a flat stroll through Kodachrome Basin’s scenic desert floor. The trail loops around large sandpipes and across the colorful basin, providing an intimate look at the park’s unique rock formations. There’s little elevation gain, making it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the scenery without a strenuous hike.

4. Shakespeare Arch-Sentinel Trail

By the Numbers:

• Length: 2 miles round trip
• Elevation Change: 250 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Type: Out-and-back

Trail Description:
 One of the more adventurous hikes in Kodachrome Basin, the Shakespeare Arch-Sentinel Trail, takes hikers to the only natural arch in the park, Shakespeare Arch. The trail then continues to Sentinel Spire, offering breathtaking views. Though the trail is relatively short, the uneven terrain and narrow paths make this hike slightly more challenging. The stunning views and unique rock formations make it well worth the effort.

5. Ballerina Spire Trail

By the Numbers:

• Length: 1 mile round trip
• Elevation Change: Minimal
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Type: Out-and-back

Trail Description: 
The Ballerina Spire Trail is a short, family-friendly hike that leads to one of Kodachrome Basin’s most iconic formations, Ballerina Spire. This towering sandstone pillar resembles a graceful dancer, hence its name. The easy out-and-back trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding cliffs and spires, making it an ideal hike for those who want a quick but memorable adventure in the park.

6. Nature Trail

By the Numbers:

• Length: 0.5 miles round trip
• Elevation Change: Minimal
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Type: Loop

Trail Description:
 The Nature Trail is a self-guided loop perfect for those new to the area or anyone interested in learning more about the park’s flora and fauna. The trail is easy and short, making it great for all ages. Along the way, interpretive signs offer insight into the park’s geology, plants, and wildlife. This hike is an excellent way to slow down and enjoy the smaller details of Kodachrome Basin’s environment.

7. Horse Trail

By the Numbers:

• Length: 10 miles round trip
• Elevation Change: 300 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Trail Type: Out-and-back

Trail Description:
 For those seeking a longer adventure, the Horse Trail provides a full day’s worth of hiking in the backcountry of Kodachrome Basin. This less frequently traveled trail allows hikers to enjoy solitude as they pass through the park’s remote areas. With varied terrain and stunning views of the cliffs and spires from different vantage points, this hike is perfect for those who want to explore deeper into the park.